What steps should I take if I want to get into diving?

[exon111]

Hi,
Recently I have been thinking that it would be fun to take up SCUBA diving as a hobby. I don't really know anything about SCUBA diving, and I was wondering what I should do to start. I'm guessing I would have to get some kind of certification. How much do classes cost? How much does the basic equipment cost? I am a Boy Scout, does scouting have any SCUBA programs? I live in Huntington Beach, California, and there are plenty of diving places around here.
Thanks for any info,
Tilden

P.S.: Just out of curiosity why do some people use re-breather SCUBA's over the traditional type?

 

[scubapolly]

1) Find a shop in your area. -if they do discover scuba you might want to try it before doing the cert.
2) get certified- price is going to vary based on location, and what is "included" and what is "extra". About $200 is average for the class and the pool in my area. You will need books which run $50-75 depending on agency. You will also need to provide your own mask fins and snorkle which will run $150-$200 depending on brand etc.

Only boyscout program I know of is SeaBase in the Florida Keys, you might check out the forum on here for youth and scouting.

Rebreathers are less bulky, if CCR there is no bubbles. if you are diving expensive gas, like trimiz, you are re-using your gas rather than wasting it. But there are definite draw backs: cost, additional training needed, and safety are the biggies.

 

[Diver Dennis]

Here is a link to one of the certifying agencies where you can get more information. I'm not sure about Scouts programs. Re-breathers are used for many different reasons and there is a forum here that will explain them. Welcome to ScubaBoard.

http://www.padi.com/padi/default.aspx

 

[Lake Mead Tony]

Go to the forums (Scouts in Scuba) They might have a better way to go thrue the scouts. I'm sure there is something in the way of a merit badge for scuba. If so, it would be a lot less than a regular class. The cost of training is low compaired to the cost of the necessary gear. More power to you.

 

[1_T_Submariner]

Exon Welcome to Scubaboard... Good luck with your class. I think I remember a Scuba Merit badge from when my son was in Scouts...

 

[exon111]

Thanks for the info everyone!
-exon111

 

[ScubaJamie71]

Hey there welcome, like everyone has said. Check your local Dive shop as I am sure they teach certain scuba dive organizations like PADI, SSI,etc. I am getting ready to get certified and I know it won't be hard and just to relax. Most shops include the books with the course and it doesn't cost much either.

 

[Kim]

Hi exon.....welcome to the board. Drop NetDoc a PM - he is very active with Scouts and can probably tell you the answers to that.